Does Passion put you in the Poor House?
Today I read an article called "Avoiding the Bubble Blues". It is an article taken from Tony Perkins diary about the key things he has learned by working in start-ups.
One of his comments really struck me. "Do it for the Passion, Not for the Money!"
He talks about how the online world gets inundated with people in their designer sportcoats telling others how much money they are going to make. Then, there are those that have authentic passion and long staying power because they REALLY do believe. His bottom line: Passion is a key ingredient to success. I couldn't agree more. I always take passion over the slick guy in the sport coat.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to follow my passions. Anyone that has worked with me knows that I am deeply passionate about what I do. And, they also know that I want to work with people that share my same passion. My mantra and advice to others is don't spend 10+ hours a day doing something you aren't passionate about. Life is too short.
But, as the daughter of an artist, I appreciate that life gets in the way. People have bills to pay. Kids to put through college. Heat to keep on.
If only there were a perfect equation for doing something that you love AND making money. Writers, actors and artists understand this better than anyone. I wish I had the magic answer. I wish it weren't based on a little luck. I wish it weren't based on finding a partner that will bring in the big bucks so that you can do what you are really passionate about. Now, that would make a great article!
3 comments:
Looking at it as far as in marriages, I think that's what creates a great balance. I'm lucky enough to be able to explore what I want to do most in life, while my husband holds down a good job with great benefits.
Yet, as a mother, I had the other side of the coin as well. While he continued to work, I gave up eveyrthing and left my full time job to take care of my kids. What I found in that time away, was that my job wasn't nearly as fulfilling as I had always thought it was. Once my kids were in school full time, I began exploring other options, and was lucky enough that we were used to me not having an income at that point so that I could explore this other side.
I am finally following my passions, and in my 40s, doing what I want to do when I grow up. Could I be making more money doing something full time instead of freelance writing? Yes, but it wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling.
I am one of the lucky ones who doesn't "have" to work. Of course the reason was our downsizing after the kids left for college. Now I can workout, write as a hobby, and just have lots of hobbies.
I did work full time when my kids were growing up but I again was so lucky with my job. I could come and go as I pleased and never missed an event.
Head Start was a passion of mine. I loved my job. I love personal training but I am most passionate about just doing whatever I want whenever I want to do it - within reason and around my husband's schedule. As a college prof. though he has lots of time off thus all our traveling. jo
If only I could rely on passion to put me in the poor house. I have tried for a very long time to figure out what I am truly passionate about and I've come to the conclusion that while I like many things very much, there isn't anything work-wise that grips me with an utter passion. I had passion back in my twenties, when I was discovering the Internet and working for a startup. Maybe as I get old my ability to feel passion for my job fades. (That's what I tell myself to fall asleep at night.)
I think it's much harder for me to figure out what my passion is than to turn it into a successful venture. Until then, I do fairly mind-numbing (and sometimes soul-sucking) work. Everytime I think about quitting, I look at the paycheck and sadly remember how last time I took 3 months off from work I couldn't figure out what to do with myself and ended up depressed...
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